These Viral "DNA Braids" Are Perfect for Science-Obsessed Beauty Lovers
While actual scientists work to solve the mysteries of our universe, we beauty lovers are here trying to decipher Instagram's latest hair trend, DNA braids. Yup, braid-savvy stylists on Instagram are recreating that twisty, turny, double helix structure and it's definitely caught our attention.
DNA braids, which we spied at Bustle, are having a moment in the spotlight thanks in part to Rhode Island-based hairstylist Alexandra Wilson. "I had seen these braids a while back and wanted to re-create them using smaller sections for a more intricate look," she tells Allure. "They caught my eye and I wondered why they weren’t more popular.” She learned how to create the look just about a week and a half ago, then shared her technique in a tutorial video that has garnered thousands of likes and heart-eye emojis.
Press play and get ready to be amazed. The close-up of her client's rainbow-hued hair is a bit like an optical illusion and yeah, it's hard to look away. Wilson notes to use Kenra Professional platinum silkening gloss prior and listed exactly how to achieve the style in the caption. Although it may seem confusing at first, remember this: practice makes perfect. Good thing the video makes it much easier to follow along one step at a time.
Over in Clarksville, Tennessee, hairstylist Tori Redden of Luster Salon offers her own take on the DNA braid. Done on a half-up ponytail in platinum blonde, she notes the look works best on long hair with minimal to no layering. "I've been able to create it on varying colors of long hair: blondes, reds, brunettes, dimensional vivids, etc.," says Redden. "I love seeing how different it can look depending on the hue." Among the products she used were Schwarzkopf Blondme lightener, Redken Shades EQ toner, Pulp Riot Barcelona shampoo, and ColorProof CrazySmooth Extreme Shine Treatment Oil.
Another hairstylist, Kenzee Nickerson of Avanté Salon and Day Spa in Mansfield, Texas, created a version that combines three styles in one: a French braid, DNA braid, and the classic fishtail braid.
Expert braider Suvi Huttunen from Jyväskylä, Finland, created her DNA braid in a high ponytail along with two Dutch braids topped with a sweet floral flourish. She noted that it took trial and error to get it just right, and overall, the final look took about half an hour to complete.
Just one click on the #DNAbraid hashtag on Instagram leads you down the rabbit hole of endless styles created by folks across the globe. With that, have fun diving into hair wonderland.
As for the next big hair trend? Wilson predicts it’ll soon be all about infinity braids. We'll be on the lookout.
Want more on braids? Check out these stories:
These Women Created a Revolutionary "Bubble Braid" Technique
Before Your Next Trip to The Salon, Get Inspired by These Dope Braided Hairstyles
Now, here's how to execute a fishtail braid:
